Benefits of standing
Standing plays a very significant role for those recovering from a spinal cord injury. It is about standing straight on our legs and it brings great benefits to our health.
In this post we are going to deal with the benefits of standing for patients with a spinal cord injury.
Health benefits
- Anatomic alignment: our core and limbs are aligned and return to their natural position.
- Activates blood circulation: it is beneficial for our blood circulation and lowers the risk of orthostatic high blood pressure.
- Improves bone mineralization: the calcium content is maintained, and therefore, osteoporosis is warded off in patients with a spinal cord injury.
- Less constipation and bladder issues: it favours intestinal activity and prevent infections of the urinary tracts.
- Prevents pressure ulcers.
- Prevent contractures: tendons shortening is avoided and spasticity is reduced.
- Less breathing issues: lungs expand and the oxygen amount increases.
- Helps improving muscle strength.
Social advantages
- More independence: you will be able to be more self-sufficient every day and your quality of life will improve.
- More self-esteem: standing helps both physically and mentally to the person with a spinal cord injury.
Recommendations
Standing is always beneficial provided that it is recommended by our doctor since there are some cases in which standing is contraindicated. These cases are the following:
- People with low bone density and who are prone to have bone fractures.
- Those people affected by cardiac or circulatory illnesses.
- People with reduced mobility or severe contractures.
Time standing
There is not a certain amount of time that a person should stand. For that reason, our doctor’s advice should always be the rule.
The treatment may start by tilting since it helps avoiding orthostatic high blood pressure.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to stand five times a week although, as we have already mentioned, it depends on each patient’s case. Regarding the amount of time this activity should be performed, the following is generally recommended:
- 30 minutes: spasticity will start to reduce.
- 45 minutes: lower limbs mobility will increase.
- 60 minutes: a higher stability in the hips will be achieved and bone mass loss is avoided.
These exercises and their timing shall be always be supervised by the rehab technician and will be performed progressively and according the capacity and limitations of each patient.
Trying five or ten-minute sessions of standing are enough to start feeling results.
